Trial Lawyers PAC Agrees to Pay $27,000 Civil Penalty

A federal PAC of trial lawyers has agreed to pay a $27,000 civil penalty for violations of federal campaign finance laws during the past 20 years.

The American Association for Justice PAC is the separate segregated fund of the American Association for Justice, a 501(c)(6) tax-exempt trade association. The trade association was formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. The PAC discovered errors in their financial accounting, hired an outside accountant and brought it to the attention of the Federal Election Commission.

The PAC found errors in its credit card processing of administrative expenses and reimbursement of expenses by its state affiliates, amounting to $61,201. The PAC also found errors in its cash-on-hand figure, which was overstated by $326,551.

In the 2011-2012 cycle, the PAC raised $6.4 million and gave out over $3 million in contributions to candidates, political party committees and leadership PACs. Democrats received 95 percent. View the PAC’s 2011-2012 financial profile.

Here’ a fact: You can’t keep a good man (or woman) down – government notwithstanding. It’s simple: There are “can do” people and then there are “bitchers and moaners”.

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They currently produce the Political MoneyLine website on CQ.com and developed its earlier versions: FECInfo, Public Disclosure Inc., and Tray.com.